No More Grace Period for Visit Visas Issued in Dubai
The grace period previously applicable for visit visas issued in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, has been abolished, according to recent media reports.
Changes to Visa Policy
Under the new directive, the grace period, which previously allowed visitors some extra days beyond their visa’s validity, will no longer apply. A local travel agent confirmed the development, saying, “From the date of entry, the stay duration is as per the type of visa (30 days or 60 days). There is no grace period anymore.”
All Emirates in Line
Firosekhan, the operation manager at Arabian Business Centre (Amer Centre – Sheikh Zayed Road), explained that except for Dubai, all other emirates had already scrapped the 10-day grace period for visit visas. Until May 15, this grace period was exclusive to visas issued in Dubai. However, following the recent decision by Dubai authorities, a visitor or tourist must exit the country before their visas expire, or else face overstay fines.
No Exceptions, Confirms Federal Authority
A call centre executive from the Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) confirmed the new regulation, stating unequivocally that no grace period exists for visit visas issued anywhere in the UAE. Penalties for overstaying start accruing as soon as the visa document expires.
Summary
- The UAE, specifically Dubai, has cancelled the grace period for visit visas, according to new media reports.
- Visitors now have to leave the country within the validity of their visas (30 or 60 days), with no additional grace period.
- All emirates, including Dubai, have now uniform regulations, eliminating the 10-day grace period that was previously applicable only in Dubai.
- Overstay fines apply immediately upon visa expiration.
- The Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) confirmed the elimination of the grace period across the UAE.
